GeoffShackelford.com

Successfully carrying or skirting a bunker of an alarming or impressive appearance is always a source of satisfaction to the golfer and yet it is hazards of this description which so often give rise to criticism by the unsuccessful player. ALISTER MACKENZIE

Rex Hoggard talks to European Tour Chief Keith Pelley, who says the 2022 Ryder Cup is very much headed to Italy despite no shortage of reports about ongoing instability that jeopardizes government assistance of the Cup. And Pelley teased a potentially big opening ceremony location.

“I’ve said all along the Ryder Cup in 2022 is going to Italy,” said Pelley, who added that the tour’s Ryder Cup support team is in Italy this week meeting with local officials. “Italy in 2022 is a story that people talk about but we had conversations this week about the opening ceremony being in the Colosseum. These are serious conversations with Italian decision makers and officials.”

Hoggard notes that Marco Simone, the host course, is of even greater concern, with Pelley conceding it is behind schedule.

Much of the concern over Italy as the ’22 host has been focused on the course, Marco Simone, which Pelley described as a “construction zone.”

But a reader played there two weeks ago, shared photos of a course not under construction and offered this assessment:

Played it at €90 for the day. Terrible course on an awkward piece of land (hilly) with a clay - read mud - soil base. A real stretch to see a RC here. Kicker is apparently - according to the member I played with - that the massive overhead power lines which blot the landscape are to be relayed underground - a project in itself. I’m no expert, but with less than 4 years to “balls in the air” it seems a real stretch to imagine the event there - unlike other Euro venues which had been there for years and needed a bit of tweaking. Basically a total reconstruction is required - incl the clubhouse IMHO, but is there time ?

Two new holes are under construction at least. And the Colosseum could have lights and proper presenters in 2022!

Geoff Shackelford

Geoff Shackelford is a Senior Writer for Golfweek magazine, a weekly contributor to Golf Channel's Morning Drive, is co-host of The Ringer's ShackHouse is the author of eleven books.

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The Links has returned to Petco Park! The unforgettable nine-hole golf experience, in partnership with the San Diego Padres, is an annual "must do" for serious golfers or fun-seekers alike. Each hole features a special theme and the opportunity to win great prizes. Check it out!

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8 years ago @tigerwoods played the Australian Open at The Lakes and hit this sweet approach to the 13th. It’s fun to see the course tonight on @golfchannel still looking good. Thanks @ckane131 @thatguywhofellonhisball for reminding me of this shot showing Tiger hitting into the “controversial” short par 4 13th. Still not sure what the issue is some have with it! #thelakescountryclub #australianopengolf

Much to love about all things @malbongolf and their fun @callawaygolf collaboration almost done at their swell retail space on Fairfax. Would love to see Stephen Malbon get a crack at a @goathillpark-like refresh of a public golf facility too! More on him and collaborations w/ @nikegolf @pumagolf in Golfweek’s December issue!

Great fun at @padres Petco Park hosted by @callawaygolf for a fourth year. Another sold out event! We got a Biarritz, Eden and boomerang in this year too. And a petting zoo with goats that Balionis convinces to help her with yoga! Thanks @balionis @housefromdc @matt_browning for a fun round.